I'm headed for Japan in March 2013 for the Women's Taikai. Afterward, I hope to spend a month or more repairing my bad habits and gaps in memory after a long lapse in training. The internet told me that Noguchi Shihan was teaching a basics class in 2010, but I haven't seen any recent mentions of this.

I would be obliged if anyone could tell me if he still teaches this fabled basics class (or if anyone else does), and what city/dojo is hosting?

Incidentally, I'm also having a hard time finding a current training schedule for Honbu Dojo. Any info on that would be much appreciated!

Noguchi has regular classes at Hombu (usually wednesday and thursdays). He occasionally reprises the basic classes as he sees fit. When you get to japan you can get the Hombu schedule. It may be different around the Taikai though. Otherwise it is not published on the internet.

I advice you seek out one if the japanese instructors and visit the classes they have outside of the Honbu. Im not totally sure but i think Someya sensei offers quite a few classes every week and he more or less only teach basics. Try asking them in person when you see them in the honbu and ask if you can come to their class.

I am grateful for your advice. It makes perfect sense that I would clarify these details once I get there and meet the instructors in person.

If I may further impose, are there cities other than Noda and Abiko where classes tend to be held? (I'm trying to place cheapish lodging that is accessible to interesting places so my husband doesn't go stir crazy while I'm absorbed in training. I figure I'll need to commit to a month to keep costs down due to increased numbers during the Taikai and then Golden Week, so I'm hoping to magically find a place in advance that doesn't put me painfully far from training.)

Kaye, even if Noguchi sensei doesn't teach a basics class, look for the basics in his movement. You will find them there. Sensei will usually do each "technique" four different ways. You would get plenty of things to work on to improve your basics.

Hopefully my last question on this, as I'm days away from being able to pester people with questions in person... Do you need to ask each instructor individually if you may observe (only to watch) their class, or is there a generally open policy on that at Hombu Dojo as long as you behave yourself?

I don't think any of the instructors mind - they're just happy to have you there. On the other hand, they might appreciate it that extra little bit if you did take the opportunity (if you have it) to ask beforehand.